Page 50 of Omega's Vengeance

“Are we expected to share the same bed?” His eyes glitter.

“I would hope so. I’m not the kind of alpha who cheats, but I’m not going to become celibate. I’ll want sex.”

He sighs. “I suppose it would be myduty. A necessary evil, if you will.”

I laugh gruffly. “Are you going to pretend you don’t like it when we fuck?” I inch closer to him, enjoying the way his cheeks flush and his breathing speeds up. “You sure seemed receptive to me tonight. Outside in the rain.”

“I was confused, that’s all.”

“Bullshit,” I growl. “You wanted sex. Stop lying.”

He turns his back on me. “Don’t get a big head. I don’t like you, Dario.”

“I think you like me a little.”

“No.” He gives me a surly glance over his shoulder. “And even if I do enjoy the sex, I fucking hate whatever this thing is between us. It’s unsettling. I don’t like being run by instinct.”

“I don’t love it either, but it’s happening and it is what it is.” I move closer to him, and the fine blond hairs on the nape of his neck visibly raise. I can sense his speeding pulse, and smell his arousal. His attraction to me is like mine is to him: unwanted, but inescapable.

His voice is thick with frustration as he says, “I have no choice but to marry you, don’t I?”

“It’ll be okay,” I say quietly.

“I doubt it.”

“Once your mine, no one will hurt you.” Those aren’t just words either. The longer I’m around him, the more he becomes my focus. This hunger to protect him and own him isn’t logical. The emotions feel primitive. I’ve never experienced anything like it with any other omega. This need to possess him is like a sickness; creeping in and permeating my body and soul. “I mean it. No one will hurt you, Alessio. Not if I’m around.”

“Not even Valentino?” he mutters.

“No one. I promise.” I step closer, and the heat of his body sinks into mine. “You’ll have all the things you wanted, Alessio. All the things your father wanted for you. He’d want you to take this deal.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I think I do.” I take a chance and I pull him gently against me. He stiffens at first, but allows himself to lean on me. I swear I can feel his heart beating from outside his body. I’m so fucking in tune to him, it’s disconcerting. I wrap my arms around him, and just hold him. At first, his body is rigid. I nuzzle the back of his neck, inhaling his now familiar scent. Gradually, he relaxes into me, and his breathing slows.

My dick is hard, but I don’t push for sex. I know what my omega needs right now, and it’s not that. It’s comfort. I need to soothe him and tell him, without words, that he’ll be okay. I’ll keep him safe. He needs to believe he can trust me. Depend on me. I let him know all of that with soft kisses on the back of his neck, and gentle strokes down his body.

After a few moments, he whispers, “When would we do it?”

Excitement zips through me. He’s giving in. He’s accepting the marriage, which means he’ll live. “Soon. This week.” I keep my voice steady. Reassuring.

He touches the bite mark on his neck. “Okay,” he says quietly. “I’ll marry you, Dario. What other choice do I have? I can’t just let my men be slaughtered.”

I rub his shoulders and then let him go. “You’ve made the right decision, kid. You’ll see.”

He shoots me a resentful glance. “I sometimes wish I’d never met you, Dario.”

I smile. “But you did.”

****

Valentino is pleased at the news Alessio has accepted the arranged marriage, and merge. He doesn’t seem the least bit concerned that Alessio is resentful and unhappy about being forced into it. I’m sure Alessio’s happiness is the farthest thing from Valentino’s mind.

Marie, Valentino’s mother, has suggested we hold the small, private wedding ceremony here at their home. I’m fine with that. I think for now, it’s best if Alessio and I stay at Valentino’s mansion. I have a private residence, but I spend more time here at Valentino’s home. I definitely think it’s safer if Alessio is here. Carlo is still out there somewhere, no doubt scheming. He’s gone underground for now, but a snake like that will slither back.

A few days pass. I’m busy with Valentino trying to find where Carlo might be hiding. I don’t see much of Alessio. He’s probably overjoyed about that. I’ve given him space, allowing him to have my bedroom for now. I don’t worry about him running away again. There’s no point. He knows what will happen to his men if he rebels. Or what he thinks will happen to them.

On the third morning, I walk into the dining room and find Alessio having breakfast with Marie and Valentino’s younger brother, Paolo. Paolo and Alessio are close in age and they seem to get along well. They’re laughing about something when I enter the room. Alessio’s face is flushed and his eyes sparkle with amusement. I’m surprised to feel a spark of jealousy. Alessio acts like a brat around me most of the time, but here is laughing up a storm with Paolo.

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